Emily Noble

Care provided by Harrogate hospice Saint Michael’s is “Outstanding’’ according to health and social care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Saint Michael’s received the rating following an unannounced visit, when inspectors awarded it outstanding in the caring category.

In the report the CQC said: ‘We found that Harrogate District Hospice Care Limited provided outstanding care. Effective leadership, management and governance systems were used, along with clear strategic planning to critically assess their performance and create a culture of continual improvement, to meet the changing needs of the population.’’

The hospice was judged overall by inspectors to be good, offering safe, caring, responsive, well led and effective services.

Both staff and volunteers were praised for their ‘commitment and dedication’ to delivering ‘high quality compassionate care’.

The report reads: “Hospice staff were extremely proactive in finding out and meeting people’s emotional, spiritual and social needs as well as their physical needs.

“This meant people approaching end of life or with life-limiting conditions were actively supported to lead a full, active life.’’

As part of the inspection the CQC team also sought feedback from staff, patients and their families, health and social care professionals and other external sources whose views of Saint Michael’s were wholly positive.

Chief Executive of Saint Michael’s Tony Collins said: “This report is a tremendous reflection of the commitment, professionalism and drive of every single one of our volunteer and staff team.

“Each person helps Saint Michael’s to offer high quality, personal and responsive care to our patients and their families and I would like to personally thank volunteers, staff and the local community for their contribution.

“The care we offer is not determined by a person’s budget but totally focussed on what is best for them.

“We spend £5million each year providing care and as a charity we rely on voluntary donations to continue these vital services to more than 2,000 people.’’

He added: “Saint Michael’s exists to ensure people affected by terminal illness and bereavement get the high-quality care they want and need.